Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are undoubtedly the most significant technological revolution we have seen since the advent of smartphones. Regardless of the brand and model, these technologies smarten up your vehicle, seamlessly integrating it into your ecosystem and making it easier to use, gaining popularity among users. However, it seems that some car manufacturers are not pleased with this situation. One such company, General Motors, is ditching Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Here are the details…

General Motors Strategic Exit from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

General Motors, known for its popular brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac, is getting ready to eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its vehicles. The reason behind this decision is safety concerns. The company points out that both services often require drivers to physically handle their phones for specific tasks. As a response, General Motors is partnering with Google to create a safer alternative.

Android Auto

This new service, completely focused on Google services, will not require any phone connection and will offer above-average performance in voice commands. As a result, drivers won’t need to worry about connection interruptions or having to look at their phones for any reason. While security is undoubtedly a crucial concern, General Motors is taking a serious risk, as the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a dealbreaker for many users today.

The technologies mentioned are extremely popular, not just as standard features in new vehicles, but also among owners of older car models who are incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through modifications. Moreover, criticisms are not only coming from users but also from the industry. Fo example Ford CEO Jim Farley, who recently criticized GM on Twitter, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

So, is General Motors’ primary focus solely on safety? In reality, the signs suggest that the situation is more nuanced. Both CarPlay and Android Auto are essentially owned by Apple and Google. This means that the revenue generated from both platforms does not belong to GM. However, if the company insists on promoting its own service, making money from it becomes quite straightforward.

In fact, Edward Kummer, GM’s chief digital officer, acknowledged this in an interview with Reuters earlier this year, stating, “We do believe there are subscription revenue opportunities for us.” Nevertheless, it’s up to you to consider all these factors and decide what the truth is.

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